Longding public alleges mismanagement of sanctioned funds in Itanagar

A CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: The public of Longding has appealed to the state government to hold the finance concurrence of various projects against the district, alleging mismanagement of sanctioned funds under the MLA, Longding-Pumao Constituency.

Addressing reporters at the press club here on Saturday, one Manye Wangpan informed them that various schemes were implemented without floating a "Notice Inviting Tender' for personal benefit, leading to mismanagement of government funds in the district. Accordingly, the works were executed manually, which is not as per the specifications of the projects.

He accused the local MLA of supporting a few individuals for overlapping work schemes for personal benefits. Like the work at Zating colony in Niausa village, the work at Zating was implemented under two different work orders in the same area of Chatting and Longding.

"Also, just to claim payment from the department, the individuals have extended two metres of existing ground at Niaunu instead of constructing a whole new ground," he added.

He said the work implemented is a total violation because, as per norms, schemes should benefit at least 20-30 houses or the community and not just an individual. As per guidelines, schemes cannot be executed without floating a "Notice Inviting Tender," which has been in practise in the district.

Another person, Ajee Wangsu, informed me that schemes under construction for school grounds at GPS Niaunu, longing for Rs. 50 lakhs, have been executed manually before the sanction of the scheme and without following the guidelines of the planning department.

He said various projects have been prepared against already existing locations, which clearly proves a mala fide intention to misuse the funds that otherwise could have been used in other fruitful areas for the benefit of the public, and some projects have been approved in BE 22-23 under SIDF without proper verifications.

"Therefore, we appeal to the state government to hold the financing concurrence of projects to avoid misuse of welfare funds, which are being used for some individuals' benefit," Wangsu said while appealing to the state government for inspection of the work site by the competent authorities with proper instruction from the concerned PWD department to strictly verify the site and execute the same as per norms.

He said the entire matter had been submitted to the state government through representations and appealed for an early resolution of the matter.

"We believe that the state government will respond positively because the issue concerns the people of Longding and the district needs the implementation of proper schemes for development", Wangsu said.

Meanwhile, Longding-Pumao's district MLA could not be reached for his comment on the allegations.